What Should I Do If I’m Facing Criminal Charges in Texas?

Whether you’re accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, it can be an enormous upheaval to be charged with a crime. If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Sherman, TX, then consider our dedicated team at the Pelley Law Office with locations in Sherman, Plano, and Dallas, TX.

What Should I Do If I’m Facing Criminal Charges in Texas?

When You Are Arrested

Stay Calm

Being arrested is a stressful experience, but it is important to remain calm. However unjust you feel that your arrest is, you should not allow yourself to become angry. Resisting arrest, arguing with law enforcement, or acting aggressively can worsen your situation and lead to additional charges. If officers treat you badly while you are being arrested, that can be addressed by your lawyer later on.

Keep Quiet

We all know that under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent. What is less well known is how police officers will often try to tempt you into talking anyway. Remember that after providing basic identifying information, such as your name and address, you should not say anything else other than to ask for a lawyer.

Invoking your constitutional rights does not make you look guilty, and you cannot be punished for choosing to remain silent or for requesting to speak with an attorney. Remember, anything you do say can and will be used against you in court, so don’t make any statements or answer any questions, no matter the provocation.

Seek Counsel

Legal counsel is the right of all citizens. You should ask clearly and politely for a lawyer as early as possible. You will have the opportunity to consult privately with your lawyer when they arrive, and they will ask you to explain what has happened. It is important that you do not mislead your attorney, or they will not be able to give you proper advice. What you say to them is confidential, so you should be completely honest.

Your lawyer will review your case and will be able to answer any questions that you have. They will also advise you of your defense options, what you should do in the immediate aftermath of the arrest, and will protect your rights as you are interviewed by the police.

After Your Initial Arrest

Follow Bond or Bail Conditions

Unless you are charged with a serious violent crime, you should be able to be released on bail after a hearing. When you have been released on bond or bail, the court may impose certain conditions upon your release. These conditions might include things like having to check in regularly with a pre-trial officer or agency, travel restrictions, a curfew, or a no-contact order banning you from contacting or approaching certain people.

Though it can be annoying to have your life restricted, it is extremely important that you adhere to the terms of your release. Violating them can result in you being re-arrested and to additional charges being filed against you. Additionally, breaking bail conditions can count against you at trial, as the prosecution may use them to paint you as unreliable or untrustworthy to the jury.

Don’t Discuss Your Case

Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. This includes friends, family, and especially law enforcement. Law enforcement have to remind you of your rights when you are arrested. However, they do not have to announce themselves if they just happen to be in your vicinity and listening to a casual conversation. Anything you say can be used as evidence against you. You should also remember that if you are married, your spouse cannot be compelled to testify against you; but if they do agree to testify on your behalf, they cannot choose not to answer questions asked by the prosecution.

Your social media posts can also be used as evidence in court, so be careful about what you post. Try to keep any new posts neutral and positive. If you are concerned about how things you have posted in the past might make you look, discuss them with your lawyer as soon as possible.

Attend All Court Hearings

Missing a court date can have serious consequences, including a warrant for your arrest. Be sure to keep track of all scheduled hearings and arrive on time.

Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s why when you come to court you should dress smartly so that your first impression is of a respectable person who respects the court. We would recommend that you wear some sort of business-casual or formal wear. For men this would mean a clean, pressed button-down collared shirt and smart slacks or a suit and tie for men. For women this could be a suit, a smart office-wear dress, or a neat skirt and blouse.

It is very important that you do not wear clothes that are overly casual, revealing, or that display offensive images or slogans. You should also wear smart shoes and avoid flip-flops, flashy sneakers, or excessively high heels. If you are unsure whether what you have to wear is appropriate or not, you can ask us in advance of your hearing.

Explore Your Legal Options

Not all people who are charged with a crime have to go to trial. Your attorney will help you assess your legal options and act on your orders when you have decided how you would like to proceed. Often you will be able to have multiple plans in place and move from one to another if the first option is not successful.

For example, your lawyer may file pre-trial motions to dismiss charges, suppress certain pieces of evidence, or request other legal remedies. If the motion for dismissal is not successful, you can move toward contesting the charges against you in court. In some cases the prosecution may offer a plea agreement that reduces charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea. Plea bargains can be offered at any time during the legal process, but the most common time is during pre-trial negotiations.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney In Sherman, TX

When you retain us as your counsel, we will fight for the best possible outcome for you. Depending on your case, this might be an acquittal at trial, a plea agreement, or an alternative sentencing option such as probation, community service, or a rehabilitation program. You should know that we are always motivated by what is best for our client and do our utmost to protect you and prevent disruption to your life.

Facing criminal charges in Texas can leave you feeling powerless, but as you can see, you have a number of ways that you can control aspects of the situation. Invoking your rights, communicating honestly with your lawyer, and making a good impression in your court appearances are all steps you can take towards a positive outcome. To find out more, consult us at the Pelley Law Office with locations in Sherman, Plano, and Dallas, TX.

Contact Our Texas Criminal Defense Law Firm For Help Today

If you’re facing criminal charges in Texas, we’re here to help. Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Pelley Law Office, L.L.P., today to schedule a free consultation.

We proudly serve Plano, Dallas, Sherman, and the surrounding areas.

Pelley Law Office L.L.P. – Plano Office
Address: 1312 14th St, Plano, TX 75074
Phone: (972) 608-0335
Hours: 24/7

Our firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.0180322,-96.6952916,863

Pelley Law Office L.L.P. – Sherman Office

Address: 905 N Travis St, Sherman, TX 75090
Phone: (903) 813-4778
Hours: 24/7

Our firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.6445846,-96.6113141,857